Flea Market Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell, CICO Books, photography by Simon Brown | Ryland, Peters & Small
Flea Market Chic isn't just an inspirational coffee table book. Oh no! It goes way beyond pretty pictures, giving the reader accessible and useful ideas on how to add texture, colour and depth to modern spaces with flea-market finds. In her introduction, Liz Bauwens writes about how what flea markets are selling has changed. With 19th and early 20th century pieces becoming increasingly harder to find, with space being taken up with mid-to-late 20th century furniture and accessories. Once you begin to turn the pages you see how Bauwens has illustrated this through a well-edited selection of real family homes. Each space shows you how flea-market finds have been mixed in with purchases from big box stores. Also included are tips on where to look for certain items and how to negotiate when buying them (so useful!). Personally, I love how flea-market pieces let you create a home that reflects your life and personality; these pieces become interesting talking points in your home as each 'find' comes with a story attached. It's fun to read where home owners found pieces, so I've shared the spaces from the Flea Market Chic that caught my eye. The white and turquoise summerhouse? 100% dreamy, I know. Which space is talking to you? Do you have any top flea market tips?
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I have been wanting to read this book for quite a while- as a lover of all things shabby chic it just seems perfect. Great review!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com
I love these types of books!
ReplyDeleteSo good!!!! xo
ReplyDeleteI recently began getting re-acquainted with flea markets. I used to go a while back with a friend who owned a store and now I've started again. I just love mixing vintage and contemporary, even with clothing. It gives an edge to what can be a "too perfect" look when everything is new. Teri
ReplyDeleteThese looks are all wonderful, but my fave is the linens and stoneware. Though the mugs are a close second! Love flea markets - not only do they all you to show off personality in your home, they are also a sustainable way to decorate since you aren't buying new!
ReplyDeleteoh, the grey/white/brown theme is calling my name! so utterly charming.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review! This book is high on my wishlist and your picks look even more amazing than I could have imagined! I really love their previous book Thrifty Chic, so I was hoping this one would be good as well!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite look is Stylist's Kitchen, I love the mix of fuss-free and functional with eclectic touches and old chairs, also the palette is very pretty.
I love every image! The woooden floors in the bedroom are gorgeous. This looks like a great book.
ReplyDeletethe linens and whites on open shelving, hanging cups, are just what i adore, but please can you throw in the ceiling airer and the aga? whenever i see collections of wood spoons in a jar i feel entitled to collect some more. you can never have too many x
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling I would love this book and your review makes me really want a copy of my own now! Love the summerhouse and the collection of mismatched crockery and Cornishware. I've built quite a good collection of mismatched china tea cups and saucers but would love more varied and vintage everyday plates and mugs, plus a load of Cornishware of course! Sigh…
ReplyDeleteI've ordered this book, it looks great! I totally agree that these quirky bits and pieces add a really personal touch and unique charm to the home - the story that inevitably goes with it is always a bonus too and becomes a natural talking point.
ReplyDeleteI go to flea markets a lot - the best tip I have is to get there super early and take a hot flask of tea/coffee with you because even in the summer months 6am is chilly!
Have a great weekend all!
i wish i were that good at flea market shopping that i could fill my home with vintage treasures!!
ReplyDeleteAll I want is an amazing dining table with mismatched old chairs, that's my secret aim in life! :D
ReplyDeleteI love the way old and new is balanced in this book, thrifty AND practical.
It looks very nice and interesting book,...Ilove mixing old and new, I think that I will find some inspiration for sure. I just order Decorate Holly Becker, can`t wait to come!!! So excited! Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteI love the graphics of this post! And the colors! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a great book!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the Dresser Collection. White, grey & brown are lovely hues together.
Wish you a lovely weekend!
Nina x
I thought it was going to be the sequel to Flea Market style by Emily Chalmers.
ReplyDeleteI like the dresser collection. I would love to be disciplined enough to cultivate such a monochromatic look.
ReplyDeleteMy fam has collected blue and white striped cornishware since I can remember. There's something so timeless and classic about it, yet you can make it feel unique and new by mismatching it with other colors - love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the blue and white color palette. I could collect delft pottery forever and ever. And yes, I agree its better when there is a story.
ReplyDeleteOh please keep the book reviews coming. I am all over it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to check this one out!
:) Anna
Yet another book to add to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for share, Will. I love flea market style, and this book seems like a great one.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
Fran
All inspiring...I happen to especially love open shelving!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't choose the flea market style for my entire home but I like buying one and one piece, like kitchenware or tableware items.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend ;-)
Gosh wonderful pictures, will have to have a sneaky peek at the book next time I'm in Waterstones. As for favourites, I'm strangely drawn to the muted grey/white/brown selection - normally I'm all about colour, but that's just so homely and inviting.
ReplyDeleteBecky
x
I love to walk away from flea markets with something I was inexplicably drawn to. Like a plastic shark or a stray tea cup. That's the good stuff.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
love treasure hunting at flea markets and how these pieces add characters, personality, and charm to the collection ... it's just something "new items" can't offer! Now I have to go check the book out in my local bookstore.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend Mr. Will!
Oh yes that white and turquoise summerhouse is gorgeous! I'm also loving the retro vibe of the first kitchen. I love mixing flea market + vintage finds with modern pieces so this book sounds incredibly fascinating. I don't think I could go full vintage - I love too many different styles to commit to one entirely! Thank you for the sneak peek :) Have a brilliant weekend Will! xx
ReplyDeleteYou have such an eye! This fusion of vintage/eclectic pieces made contemporary chic looks irresistible! We love your blog :) xx, The Golden Girls
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